Young and very primary, but pairs very well with porcini risotto with filet of lamb. Appears like a mix of Bordeaux and North Rhône. Forest fruit, black olives and pepper. Very promising.
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Christmas Day Wines: Had been opened and sampled the previous night. Think this was a good move. Vibrant fruit - almost plush in the mouth. That kind of bell pepper character and a somewhat herbal / menthol element, that I think comes from the cab franc. There’s a core to it - tannin and acid - I think that with some age this could become really good, but even now - excellent vfm and just the thing to enjoy with the Ghosts Christmas special and being terrified on the Oculus Quest.
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First sniff immediately shows a distinct eucalyptus and mint character, real brooding depth too there is a Maraschino cherry lift too and some sweet cinnamon bark.
Palate shows a wine still youthful and tightly coiled. Am sure this would have benefited from some time breathing. With some time in the glass a peppery blue fruit character begins to emerge. It is definitely very promising but, on the palate at least, a bit too tight to really charm on this showing.
It has time and I'm not too discouraged. The theory about the need to breathe may be confirmed with the second half of this bottle tomorrow (night one 89 points)
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On night two this is much more open for business.
The eucalyptus and mint new oak influence has receded markedly although still there in the background. Nose now much more into the plum spectrum, the sweet cinnamon remains but is complemented by some ground white pepper and a smoky plum / apple crumble character. Some dark cherry too but less of the spiritiness I picked up yesterday.
Palate much more open for business. Cassis and ground white pepper with some dark cherry fruit too. This is still youthful but not unlovely. There is a breadth that I love and I'm sure in time this will be fabulous. Have another 8 of these and will leave for another 5 years or so before broaching again. Tonight's showing 91 points with potential higher score in a few years.
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Early August Weekend; 8/7/2022-8/8/2022 (Mostly at home in leafy West London): Another billy bargain. Clearly a new world Bordeaux Blend but carries it (and its 14% abv) lightly. The cab franc is very evident. I suspect this will age well but very enjoyable right now - enjoyed with home made Devon Wagyu burgers and Doctor Who.
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8/23/2023 - sooper65 wrote: 90 Points
Rich and in balance. Dark fruits. Plenty of BDX style. Cedar wood at the fore.
Good. Not spectacular though. £24 worth for sure.
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3/26/2023 - asheio wrote: 91 Points
Young and very primary, but pairs very well with porcini risotto with filet of lamb. Appears like a mix of Bordeaux and North Rhône. Forest fruit, black olives and pepper. Very promising.
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12/26/2022 - lozatron Likes this wine:
Christmas Day Wines: Had been opened and sampled the previous night. Think this was a good move. Vibrant fruit - almost plush in the mouth. That kind of bell pepper character and a somewhat herbal / menthol element, that I think comes from the cab franc. There’s a core to it - tannin and acid - I think that with some age this could become really good, but even now - excellent vfm and just the thing to enjoy with the Ghosts Christmas special and being terrified on the Oculus Quest.
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9/13/2022 - Vinumming & Ahhing Likes this wine: 91 Points
First sniff immediately shows a distinct eucalyptus and mint character, real brooding depth too there is a Maraschino cherry lift too and some sweet cinnamon bark.
Palate shows a wine still youthful and tightly coiled. Am sure this would have benefited from some time breathing. With some time in the glass a peppery blue fruit character begins to emerge. It is definitely very promising but, on the palate at least, a bit too tight to really charm on this showing.
It has time and I'm not too discouraged. The theory about the need to breathe may be confirmed with the second half of this bottle tomorrow (night one 89 points)
================
On night two this is much more open for business.
The eucalyptus and mint new oak influence has receded markedly although still there in the background. Nose now much more into the plum spectrum, the sweet cinnamon remains but is complemented by some ground white pepper and a smoky plum / apple crumble character. Some dark cherry too but less of the spiritiness I picked up yesterday.
Palate much more open for business. Cassis and ground white pepper with some dark cherry fruit too. This is still youthful but not unlovely. There is a breadth that I love and I'm sure in time this will be fabulous. Have another 8 of these and will leave for another 5 years or so before broaching again. Tonight's showing 91 points with potential higher score in a few years.
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8/7/2022 - lozatron Likes this wine:
Early August Weekend; 8/7/2022-8/8/2022 (Mostly at home in leafy West London): Another billy bargain. Clearly a new world Bordeaux Blend but carries it (and its 14% abv) lightly. The cab franc is very evident. I suspect this will age well but very enjoyable right now - enjoyed with home made Devon Wagyu burgers and Doctor Who.
1 person found this helpful, do you? Yes - No / Comment